The issue surrounding the possible shutdown of the autonomous nonprofit organization Sokhnut, also known as the Jewish Agency in Russia, sits squarely within Russia’s legal framework and falls under the purview of the Russian Ministry of Justice. This stance was expressed by a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, reflecting official Russian commentary reported by TASS.
According to this briefing, criticism from various levels of Israeli leadership and a framing that favored a pro-Ukrainian narrative were noted as part of broader Western rhetoric. The Russian side characterized these positions as unusual and aggressive, suggesting they diverged from constructive dialogue.
Zakharova noted that Russian authorities regret what they view as an unconstructive and biased stance from Israel on issues involving Russia, including the Ukrainian question.
By the end of July, the Moscow Basmanny Court is scheduled to hear the petition from the Moscow Department of the Russian Ministry of Justice seeking to close Sokhnut operations in Russia and to strike the agency from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities. The court’s agenda for July 28 was confirmed by the court’s press service, which also indicated that the Ministry of Justice accuses Sokhnut of violating Russian law during its activities.
A journalist with Keshet 12, one of Israel’s major television networks, told socialbites.ca that concerns in Russia center on a potential loss of skilled labor and brain drain, alongside deteriorating bilateral ties after high-level visits between the United States, Israel, and Russia. The source also noted that Prime Minister Yair Lapid’s government is viewed as more pro-Ukrainian in comparison with the prior administration, Naftali Bennett.
Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, stated on July 22 that the situation was unrelated to brain drain and emphasized that the issue is about compliance with Russian law. He directed questions back to the Ministry of Justice for further clarification.
Earlier reports from Reshet 13 suggested Sokhnut faced accusations tied to brain drain and referenced a document purportedly from Russian authorities to Israel describing Sokhnut’s primary role in helping Russian citizens of Jewish origin pursue business and scientific opportunities abroad.
Gazeta.ru quoted an Israeli journalist who remarked on ongoing media debate about the relevance of Sokhnut in today’s context, noting that people can simply board a plane to travel to Israel. The journalist added that Sokhnut remains important for handling paperwork and ensuring that documentation is processed accurately, even amid mounting concerns.
On July 24, Prime Minister Lapid underscored that maintaining good relations with Russia is in Israel’s interest, but warned that the closure of Sokhnut offices in Russia would mark a significant development affecting bilateral ties. In response, Israeli authorities decided to dispatch a government commission to Russia, though reports indicated that some members of the delegation did not secure Russian visas. Lapid later instructed the foreign ministry to plan a series of political measures in response. Former Israeli ambassador to Moscow, Zvi Magen, observed that Israel could shift from neutrality in the Ukrainian conflict and potentially participate in Western sanctions targeting Russia.
Requests for official comment from Sokhnut were made but had not been answered by the time of publication.